Spooky Season is officially here, which means travelers across the United States will set out to discover some of the most haunting – or haunted – destinations for a mid-fall getaway.
And the great news for spooky thrill-seekers is that there are plenty of destinations from which to choose!
From historic towns filled with ghostly legends to bustling cities with paranormal hot spots, the United States is home to some of the most supposedly haunted locations in the world. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, there’s something undeniably captivating about the eerie tales, haunted houses, and spine-chilling encounters that dot the American landscape. If you’re seeking a thrilling adventure this spooky season, check out these top haunted cities in the U.S. — where history meets the supernatural.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana: A Paranormal Mecca
History and Hauntings
New Orleans is arguably the most haunted city in the U.S. With its rich history of French, Spanish, and Creole cultures combined with a notorious past of voodoo, piracy, and untimely deaths, it’s no wonder spirits are said to roam its streets. The French Quarter, especially, is a hotspot for ghost sightings.
Famous Haunted Locations
Lalaurie Mansion is one of the most infamous haunted locations in the city. The mansion was home to Madame Delphine Lalaurie, who, according to legend, tortured enslaved people in her attic. After a fire revealed her horrific actions, she fled the city. Visitors and locals report hearing screams and witnessing ghostly figures in the mansion to this day.
Another must-see is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, is buried. Tourists flock to her grave, leaving offerings in hopes of gaining favor or protection, while some claim they’ve seen her ghost wandering the cemetery.
The Haunted Vibe
New Orleans’ air is thick with mystery, and whether you’re wandering Bourbon Street at night or joining a ghost tour, there’s a sense that history is very much alive here. Voodoo shops, haunted bars, and above-ground cemeteries all add to the city’s supernatural charm.
2. Savannah, Georgia: The Southern Ghost Capital
History and Hauntings
Known as one of America’s most beautiful cities, Savannah also has a dark side. The city’s cobblestone streets and moss-covered oaks conceal a past filled with death, war, and fires. Savannah was built on burial grounds, and its involvement in the Civil War only adds to its haunted reputation.
Famous Haunted Locations
The Mercer-Williams House, known for its connection to the murder of Jim Williams, is one of the most haunted homes in Savannah. The house is the setting for the events described in the novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Many visitors report cold spots, strange noises, and the feeling of being watched.
Another eerie location is The Sorrel-Weed House, where both the family matriarch and a servant are said to have died tragically. Guests on ghost tours have seen apparitions, heard footsteps, and felt unexplained chills while walking through the house.
The Haunted Vibe
Savannah’s eerie charm is evident as you explore its historic squares and grand mansions. The city embraces its haunted reputation, with plenty of ghost tours, spooky restaurants, and haunted hotels to experience.
3. Salem, Massachusetts: Home of the Witch Trials
History and Hauntings
No list of haunted cities is complete without Salem. Famously known for the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, during which 20 people were executed for alleged witchcraft, Salem’s dark history has left an indelible mark on the city.
Famous Haunted Locations
One of the most haunted spots in Salem is the Joshua Ward House, where the sheriff responsible for the deaths of many accused witches once lived. Sheriff George Corwin is said to haunt the building, along with the spirits of those who died under his watch.
Another location is The Witch House, the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witch Trials. Visitors often report feeling a strong presence while exploring the home and seeing strange shadows in the rooms.
The Salem Witch Museum offers an in-depth look into the city’s witch trial history and has been a place of reported paranormal activity, with visitors claiming to have seen ghostly figures and felt unexplainable sensations.
The Haunted Vibe
Salem thrives on its spooky history, especially in October when tourists flock to the city for Halloween celebrations. From haunted tours to witchcraft-themed shops, Salem is a must-visit for those who love the eerie and unexplained.
4. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Civil War Spirits
History and Hauntings
The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, resulted in over 50,000 casualties. Many believe the souls of those who died in battle are still trapped in this historic town, making Gettysburg one of the most haunted locations in the U.S.
Famous Haunted Locations
The Gettysburg Battlefield itself is the most infamous haunted site in the area. Visitors and paranormal investigators frequently report hearing cannon fire, seeing soldiers on the battlefield, and experiencing unexplained cold spots.
Another haunted spot is the Jennie Wade House, the home of the only civilian casualty during the Battle of Gettysburg. Jennie Wade was killed by a stray bullet while inside the house, and guests have claimed to see her apparition as well as feel cold drafts and hear mysterious footsteps.
The Haunted Vibe
Gettysburg’s somber history is palpable. The town offers several ghost tours that lead you through the battlefield and the town’s haunted buildings, and visitors often leave with chilling stories of their own.
5. Charleston, South Carolina: Ghosts of Pirates and Revolutionaries
History and Hauntings
As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Charleston has seen its fair share of tragedy, from wars to fires and devastating diseases. The city’s history of pirates, slaves, and revolutionaries gives it an eerie atmosphere.
Famous Haunted Locations
The Old Charleston Jail is one of the city’s most notorious haunted sites. The jail once housed the infamous pirate, Blackbeard’s crew, and Lavinia Fisher, one of America’s first female serial killers. Visitors claim to have seen the ghost of Fisher, heard disembodied voices, and experienced strange sensations while inside.
Another haunted location is the Battery Carriage House Inn, known for its “gentleman ghost” who is said to wander the halls. Guests have also reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing knocks on their doors late at night.
The Dock Street Theatre is another haunted hotspot, with reports of actors seeing apparitions on stage and feeling cold spots during performances.
The Haunted Vibe
Charleston’s historic streets, complete with antebellum mansions and ancient graveyards, make it the perfect place to experience ghostly encounters. The city’s ghost tours offer plenty of chilling stories to keep visitors on edge.
6. St. Augustine, Florida: America’s Oldest City
History and Hauntings
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States. Its long history of battles, pirates, and plagues has left a legacy of ghostly activity throughout the city.
Famous Haunted Locations
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of the most haunted places in the city. Several tragic deaths occurred during the construction of the lighthouse, and visitors often report seeing apparitions of children, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling cold drafts.
Another haunted site is Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort where many prisoners were held and executed. Tourists and ghost hunters alike claim to hear cries of anguish, see shadows moving through the halls, and feel a sense of unease while exploring the fort.
The Huguenot Cemetery, home to many victims of the yellow fever epidemic, is another spooky spot. Apparitions and strange sounds have been reported by those brave enough to wander the cemetery after dark.
The Haunted Vibe
St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings make it a prime destination for ghost enthusiasts. The city’s ghost tours delve deep into its haunted past, offering visitors a chance to experience the eerie side of this historic town.
What Spooky Destination Will You Choose?
Spooky Season is officially here, which means travelers across the United States will set out to discover some of the most haunting – or haunted – destinations for a mid-fall getaway.
From historic towns filled with ghostly legends to bustling cities with paranormal hot spots, the United States is home to some of the most supposedly haunted locations in the world. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, there’s something undeniably captivating about the eerie tales, haunted houses, and spine-chilling encounters that dot the American landscape. If you’re seeking a thrilling adventure this spooky season, check out these top haunted cities in the U.S. — where history meets the supernatural.
